Eating Disorder Symptoms: Signs, Behaviors & Risks | NEDA

Eating Disorder Warning Signs and Symptoms

• General Overview: Eating disorders are complex and do not always fit into neat categories. Symptoms vary by individual and disorder; this list is a general guide, not a diagnostic checklist.
• Common Behavioral/Emotional Signs:
  • Preoccupation with weight, calories, and dieting.
  • Elimination of food groups or refusal to eat.
  • Development of food rituals (e.g., excessive chewing, rearranging food).
  • Social withdrawal, isolation, and secrecy regarding food.
  • Frequent mirror checking and extreme mood swings.
• Common Physical Signs:
  • Weight fluctuations, dizziness, fainting, and feeling cold.
  • Gastrointestinal issues (cramps, constipation, acid reflux).
  • Menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea.
  • Dental problems, dry skin/hair, brittle nails, and muscle weakness.
  • Calluses on finger joints (from induced vomiting) and lanugo (fine body hair).
• Specific Disorder Symptoms:
  • Anorexia Nervosa: Dramatic weight loss, rigid exercise, and dressing in layers to hide weight loss.
  • Bulimia Nervosa: Binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (vomiting, laxatives, fasting, excessive exercise).
  • Binge Eating Disorder: Eating large amounts in secret, feeling a lack of control, and experiencing shame or guilt.
  • ARFID: Picky eating that worsens over time, fear of choking/vomiting, and lack of body image disturbance.
  • Pica: Persistent eating of non-nutritive substances (e.g., paper, soap, soil) for at least one month.
  • Rumination Disorder: Repeated regurgitation of food for at least one month.
• Other Related Concerns:
  • Orthorexia: Obsessive focus on "pure" or "healthy" food quality and restrictive eating.
  • Excessive Exercise: Exercising despite injury, illness, or social interference; feeling distress if unable to exercise.
  • Diabulimia: Intentional manipulation of insulin dosages or neglect of diabetes management to influence weight.
  • Laxative Misuse: Frequent use of laxatives to "eliminate" calories, which can lead to severe dehydration and organ damage.